About the Store
Dirtbag Dan Books is an online store focusing on used climbing guidebooks and collectible mountaineering books. All items for sale are secondhand copies, meaning they have had some adventures before coming to me, and will hopefully have plenty more adventures with you!
Do You Really Have These Books?
Yes, anything with an active listing on the website is in my possession and available for sale. Unlike other online booksellers, I do not use algorithmic pricing, AI tools, or stock images. Every listing was input manually by me, and when the books sell, the stock is automatically removed. Items marked "Out of stock" are books I have sold previously - you can indicate interest by clicking the "Notify Me When Back in Stock" button.
Do You Only Sell Guidebooks?
No. I also sell related items, including Alpine Journals, mountaineering memoirs, instructional books, and a limited selection of vintage climbing magazines. But rare guidebooks are the main focus.
Why Are Your Prices So Low/High?
I try to have the lowest prices online for most of my books. I enjoy passing on a deal to fellow climbers, and it helps keep me from drowning in dead inventory. I'd rather move on from these books at a cheap price instead of holding them for a year in order to make an extra $5 or $10.
That said, certain books are rare and valuable, and are priced accordingly. I am willing to wait for the right buyer on those.
If a price seems outrageous, I might not want to part with it - but have listed at my "can't say no" price.
If you sign up for my email newsletter (form at the bottom of this page), you will receive a 10% discount immediately, and I often share deeper discounts in the monthly emails.
What Condition Are the Books?
Most books for sale on the website range from “Good” to “Excellent” - meaning they are clean, readable copies with no major issues in the binding, covers, or interior pages. Some books may have the previous owner’s name or notes inside, and a little bit of wear to the spine and cover is normal. If a book has issues beyond those, which would qualify it as “Fair” or “Poor” condition, they are noted in the item description and reflected in the price. Any book with a price ending in .99 is damaged/poor condition.
I do not use stock images - the picture attached to a listing is the actual copy you will receive. I am happy to provide additional photos or answer questions via email if necessary.
How Are the Guidebooks Shipped?
All books are mailed USPS Media Mail in a padded bubble mailer or small box. This shipping service is economical, reliable, and offers tracking. Once your shipping label has been printed, you’ll receive your tracking number, which can be used to check the status of your order at USPS.com/tracking. Most packages arrive within 5 business days.
International orders are fulfilled using USPS and DHL. Due to the volatile policies of the current US president, these rates may be high and I cannot guarantee if tariffs will be due upon arrival or not.
You can always contact me to discuss international orders directly, if you want to order to a non-supported country, use a different courier, or arrange a non-traditional form of shipping.
How Did You Get These Books?
I am a collector myself, and often buy large lots or entire collections. The unwanted books from a lot are sold off to fund further collecting.
Why Does My Book Have a Chessler Books Sticker on It?
Michael Chessler was Dirtbag Dan before I was alive. Chessler Books was the place to buy climbing books in the USA for over 40 years. First it was a mail-order catalog, then a physical shop, and eventually a website. In 2026, Chessler Books ceased operations and I had the opportunity to acquire much of the remaining inventory. Michael had placed small stickers on most of the books; I have opted not to remove them. If you wish to do so, rubbing alcohol helps to strip the adhesive.
Do You Buy Books?
Definitely! Send an email with a list or some pictures of your books and let's chat. I am more interested in guidebooks than mountaineering literature, but I'll take a look at anything climbing-related. Keep in mind that I can't buy at the prices at which I'm selling.
I Am Looking For a Particular Book. Can You Help?
Sure! I can't guarantee a quick result, but if you use the contact form to let me know what you're looking for, I will keep an eye out in my travels, and let you know first if I find it. I also have a personal guidebook collection which is not listed on the site, which might have what you're looking for.
Where Are You Located?
Packages ship from Longmont, Colorado. There is no physical shop.